Full Breakdown
India’s Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Engages with Global Parliamentary Delegations Ahead of the 12th BRICS Forum
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Bilateral Meetings Preceding the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum
On October 24 2026, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla met with Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma, to review India-Russia parliamentary cooperation and the upcoming 80-year milestone in bilateral relations. The next day, Birla held separate talks with:
- Ana Maria Mari Machado, Vice-President of Cuba’s National Assembly;
- Sameh Shoukry, MP and head of the Egyptian delegation; and
- Vadim Ipatov, Deputy Speaker of the Belarusian House of Representatives.
Each meeting focused on expanding legislative exchanges, capacity-building, and sectoral cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, trade and finance.
Background & Context
India is presiding over the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, scheduled for October 26-27 2026 in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. The forum’s theme, “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development,” follows the September BRICS Summit, where India helped draft a joint declaration on global challenges.
Timeline
| Date (status) | Event |
|---|---|
| October 24 (occurred) | Birla meets Russian Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin. |
| October 25 (occurred) | Bilateral talks with Cuban Vice-President Ana Maria Mari Machado, Egyptian MP Sameh Shoukry, and Belarusian Deputy Speaker Vadim Ipatov. |
| October 26 (scheduled) | Opening of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. |
| October 27 (scheduled) | Continuation of the forum; UN General Assembly considers Cuba’s blockade resolution. |
| 2027 (scheduled) | India and Russia mark 80 years of diplomatic relations. |
Official Statements & Responses
- Birla highlighted the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” with Russia and proposed a future session of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission, emphasizing exchanges for young and women parliamentarians.
- Volodin called for expanding trade, industry and agriculture cooperation and removing obstacles to bilateral investment.
- Shoukry referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to Cairo and the joint condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Ipatov noted the approaching 35th anniversary of India-Belarus relations in 2027 and the potential for stronger banking linkages to boost trade.
Why It Matters / Impact
These engagements aim to cement parliamentary diplomacy as a conduit for broader strategic partnerships across the Global South. By aligning legislative agendas on health, trade and security, India seeks to reinforce its role as a champion of developing-country interests within BRICS and multilateral forums such as the UN.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Cuba is fully capable of defending itself. The U.S. is practising the Monroe Doctrine in our region,” — Mr. Aguilera
- “We reflected on the enduring bonds between our two ancient civilisations and the renewed vigour in India–Egypt relations following the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s historic visit to Egypt in 2023.” — Sabha Speaker Om Birla
- “I am confident that stronger parliamentary ties will further enrich our longstanding partnership and advance our shared aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity.” — Sabha Speaker Om Birla
What's Next
- October 26-27 2026 – The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum convenes in New Delhi, featuring plenary sessions on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, and a special meeting of International Affairs Committee chairpersons.
- October 27 2026 – The UN General Assembly will consider Cuba’s resolution condemning the U.S. blockade.
- 2027 – India and Russia will commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations; India and Belarus will mark 35 years of ties, with anticipated parliamentary exchanges.